Nosy Be

Nosy Be, a tropical island off the northwest coast, is Madagascar's premier beach destination and a relaxing escape from the long journeys and rough roads of the mainland. Known as the perfumed isle for its fragrant plantations of ylang-ylang, vanilla and spices, it offers white-sand beaches, warm turquoise seas, and superb diving and snorkelling on nearby reefs, along with boat trips to smaller islands, lemur reserves and the chance to swim with whale sharks in season, all at a gentle, laid-back tropical pace.

History

The name means "big island" in Malagasy, and the French called it Assada in the early 17th century. Its first people were small groups of Antankarana and Zafinofotsy, before the Sakalava came and became the largest group, and in 1840 the French founded an outpost here named Hell-Ville after Admiral de Hell (Wikipedia, Nosy Be).

What's there

• The beaches - the white-sand beaches and turquoise seas.
• The diving and snorkelling - the reefs and marine life.
• The spice plantations - the fragrant ylang-ylang and vanilla farms.
• Island-hopping and whale sharks - the boat trips and, in season, whale sharks.

When to go

April to November, the dry season, for the best weather and calmest seas; the whale-shark season off the island runs roughly September to December. The wet season brings rain and a cyclone risk. It is a relaxing tropical finish to a Madagascar trip.

Things to know

It is the most developed and touristy part of Madagascar, more of a resort island somewhat apart from the raw reality of the mainland, which is either a welcome, easy escape or a less authentic experience depending on taste. It is reached by a flight or a longer overland-and-boat trip. Its beaches, diving and gentle pace, though, make it a lovely, relaxing complement to the wildlife and adventure elsewhere.

Nearby

The smaller islands of Nosy Komba and Nosy Iranja and the northern mainland are within reach.

Key facts